Rod Smoth Finds a Way

Mississippi songwriter Rod Smoth fooled me. After hearing the first ten seconds of his new-ish single, “Adding,” I clumsily labeled his music as run-of-the-mill folk pop and nearly moved on. Then came the singing, and, well, my snap judgement began to unravel.

Smoth is doing something memorable with his music. He’s tapping into a Time Being-era Ron Sexsmith vibe (more Southern, less crooning, and a heavier rhythmic stomp), and he's not afraid to embrace sonic textures that stretch outside of the folky singer-songwriter genre.

His phrasing also adds some nice dynamic turns. Just listen to the way he sings, “Slipping through my hands I had plans.” Plus, the guy has an ear for melodic hooks (who knew the sunny line “Living in nowhere” could burrow in your brain so easily).

Although it’s a down-trodden song, “Adding” eventually cascades out, breathing a touch of ethereal optimism into the air. You feel this most during and after the bridge where lovely backing vocals and atmospheric synths pull the listener out of the darkening woods. 

Go check out one of his upcoming shows across the southeast this week (including Seasick Records on Wednesday) and spend time with his full length, Living in Nowhere, when it drops on February 13.